“We are delighted to welcome Jennifer as our new general counsel,” Chairman and CEO Kenneth C. Frazier said in a prepared statement. “Her extensive experience across the biopharmaceutical industry makes her an exceptional addition to our team.”

Zachary will handle Merck’s global legal, security and aviation, and environmental, health and safety organizations, as well as serve on the executive committee.

“I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to join Merck’s executive committee,” she said in a statement. “I have long admired Merck for its steadfast commitment to its core values, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s long-term success.”

At Covington & Burling, Zachary works in the food, drug and device practice group, advising manufacturers and trade associations on Food & Drug Administration requirements for pharmaceutical and device development, manufacture and distribution. She has also worked in the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel and in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.